Dog owners to be fined for leaving pets in hot car under new animal welfare regulations

March 29, 2018
Michael Holland asks why it was so difficult for concerned onlookers to get help for a dog stuck in a car for hours.

A group of new regulations aimed at protecting animal welfare in New Zealand has been approved by the government today, one of which will see dog owners fined for leaving their animals in hot cars.

Associate Minister of Agriculture responsible for animal welfare Hon Meka Whaitiri outlined the fine that will be given out to those who leave dogs in hot cars.

"The new regulations will mean that people who leave distressed dogs in hot cars will be liable for a $300 fine.

People can now be fined where sick or injured farm animals are transported to slaughter plants," Mr Whaitiri said in a statement today.

The regulations were developed over three years and over 1400 submissions were received from the public on the issue.

A full list of the new regulations can be viewed here: Animal welfare regulations.

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